4 Natural Stone Designs for Concrete Patios

You have probably seen stone patios in pictures or up close and marveled out how beautiful they are. They are indeed breathtaking but that appeal comes at a high cost. Stone is quite difficult to work with since contractors need to make each piece fit with the others. Some cut the pieces while some just find the right odd shape that would fill the space just right. Not everyone, however, can afford this type of material and installation process. Fortunately, concrete can be used as a replacement for a natural stone patio. Not only is stamped concrete cost-effective, it is also easier to install, clean, and maintain. Here are the top natural stone concrete patio designs you should consider:

Flagstone

Flagstone is a generic term for a sedimentary rock that is used for pavements, fences, and even roofing. It is known for its flat form, making it an ideal material for patios. There are many different types of flagstone looks to choose from when going for a stamped stone pattern:

• Bluestone
• Ledgestone
• Mosaic
• Pavers
• Slabs
• Treads
• And more…

It is important to consult with a professional contractor to find out what types of flagstone patterns they have to offer and which one would suit your patio best.

Slate

Slate is known for its fine-grained surface and high-resistance to weather. It is commonly gray in color but there are certain parts of the world where slate come in green, cyan, and even purple. This is popularly used as a roofing and paving material because of its fissility, which is a property of slate to form smooth flat sheets when cut. Fractured slate is one of the most popular stamped pattern and texture for concrete patios, driveways, and even pool decks.

Travertine

Travertine is a type of limestone that is often derived from mineral springs. It comes in light hues, such as white, tan, cream, and the likes. There are a few rustic varieties caused by the presence of iron carbonate. This type of natural stone pattern is popular for both patios and pool decks because of its heat-reflective colors.

Limestone

This is one of the most popular sedimentary rocks that contain skeletal fragments often of marine organisms. It is a popular building material because it is easy to cut, durable, and long-lasting. However, it is a very heavy material, making it expensive since it needs to be transported by a heavy-duty truck. The look of limestone blocks on a patio can be recreated with concrete stamping.

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3 Tips in Transforming a Concrete Pool Deck into a Personal Oasis

While some consider the pool area as a recreational space, some see it as a personal oasis. Everyone needs a private place where they can let everything go and just find calm and inner peace. The presence of water in the pool makes the pool deck a perfect place to transform into a personal oasis.

Rely on What Inspires You

Wherever you look, there are Pinterest boards showing cool suggestions, there are posters and magazine articles showcasing trending pool deck designs. Despite the numerous sources of inspiring designs, the only thing that will work is what inspires you personally. Do not be easily swayed by what other people say. If your heart thinks that something will work for you, then that is the best choice. The design and the materials you use should be something that you feel happy about.

Make Use of What You Have

Why start from scratch? Not only will that consume a lot of your time and energy, it will also cost a lot. If you have a concrete pool deck, work around it. If the utilitarian look is not your thing, a pool deck refinishing could alter the look of the deck to your liking. It can be stained to a color that you find more relaxing or inspiring. If you already have furniture on the deck, try to make them more comfortable. Your personal oasis should promote the most comfort you can get to make the transformation effective. You can swap furniture with what you have inside your home, rearrange the setup, and add decorative accents.

Go Decorative Concrete Resurfacing

Your personal oasis can be as decorative as you want it to be if you think that works for you. But do not ever think that you have to invest an exorbitant amount of money in order to achieve that. Get creative. There are decorative options that are cost-effective. The pool deck, for example, does not need expensive tile or stone to look stunning. A cheaper alternative that yields the same result is a pool deck resurfacing, either with a stamped overlay or a spray knockdown finish. If you are quite crafty, now is the best time to use it. Create or alter things that will make your oasis inspiring. Besides, buying expensive stuff will only stress you out and that will totally defeat the whole purpose of a relaxing pool deck oasis.

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5 Ways of Creating an Instagram-Worthy Public Pool Deck at an Affordable Cost

Whether you are a registered Instagram user or not, you’ve surely seen amazing photos posted on Instagram. Many great pools in different hotels, spas, and resorts have gained worldwide attention just by being featured in Instagram posts. Not only will this generate a following, it may also be key to a more profitable business. If you, as a public pool owner, are not ready to invest in updating your pool deck with luxurious materials and decor, here are affordable ways you could make it Instagram-worthy:

Colorize

Have a concrete pool deck that looks anything but glorious? Time to colorize. Concrete staining is one way of adding color and excitement to an otherwise boring deck. There are two kinds you can choose from: Acid and Water-based. Acid stains create interesting hues and effects while water-based stains create a more uniform and opaque color. You can settle with one color, add one more to create a pattern, or mix several to come up with a unique shade.

Texturize

If you prefer a single color deck but would still want something interesting to happen to it, then a spray knockdown finish is ideal for your pool deck. Think of a stucco drywall but with a more subtle texture. The great thing about this type of decorative concrete coating is that it is not too complicated and bold enough to distract swimmers and those lounging around the pool deck. Aside from the subtle appeal it provides, the texture also enhances the slip-resistance of the deck, making it a lot safer to walk on, even when wet.

Create a View

This is hard to pull off, you think. But you don’t need to be located at the edge of a cliff overlooking the ocean or mountains to create a good view. Look around the pool deck. Do you see an unsightly trash bin? Cover it up with good-looking plants. See a worn-out wooden fence? Replace it with tall bamboo or flowering hedges. Is the comfort room area too visible from the pool? Cover it up slightly with a glass or wooden foldable panel fence.

Make it Lounge-Worthy

Most Instagram photos of pool decks feature the lounging area. You don’t even have to buy expensive furniture to make your deck an ideal hang-out area. Just choose good furniture, add some simple but colorful pillows, add fabric curtains along the posts of shades or roof overhangs. Add some tables for drinks, too. If you could, color-coordinate everything with matching or complementary colors to make it look utterly stunning.

Accessorize

Adding decor and accessories can immediately enhance a boring or dull pool deck. If the pool deck is nowhere near a garden, add some potted plants to make it look connected to nature. Add some vases and freshly cut flowers on the tables. Add some extra towels near the pool deck chairs or maybe accessorize with a good book for those who may be interested in reading while getting a good tan. Sweet, little things like these matter to Instagram users, you know.

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